Be Local by supporting area churches
As many area residents head to churches this holiday season, it’s a good time to remember that churches are an important part of the local community.
“Churches are a place where people can come together to share a common vision of faith,” said Dr. Lawrence Stratton, a Presbyterian minister who is associate professor of ethics and constitutional law at Waynesburg University.
“It’s also one of the most diverse groups that most of us will be a part of,” said Stratton, noting a church welcomes people of different ages, races and economic backgrounds.
Supporting local churches helps support the community as churches are involved in many aspects of community life.
Stratton commented that many churches are known for their involvement in programs that serve those in need as well as projects that help with social concerns, such as drug rehabilitation.
Stratton remarked on churches coming together to serve the community by offering interfaith events, such as Easter Sunday sunrise service, and a Thanksgiving meal, as well as individual churches visited by community members for fundraisers that includes fish fries, spaghetti dinners and festivals that support the church or its programs, such as mission work.
This work does not go unnoticed.
“People look for communities with vibrant churches,” said Stratton, and referred to a line by English poet John Donne, “No man is an island.”
Members of the business community also see the significance of churches.
Melody Longstreth, of Greene County Chamber of Commerce, said, “Greene County has a vibrant church community and they are active in making Greene County a better place to live and do business through events and outreach that involve residents and businesses alike.”
Debbie Keefer, of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, said, “Churches make a very important contribution to our communities, both spiritually and financially. Their mission to help the less fortunate has many benefits for people who may otherwise turn to crime or drugs, which we know is a drag on our economy.”
Keefer continued, “Their festivals, services and sales bring people together and into our local communities for shopping and eating. Mary Mother of the Church and Calvary Bible Church not only belong to the Chamber they are only a sampling of the great congregations that work so hard in our mid Mon Valley region. The Christian Center Church in Belle Vernon recently staged a live Nativity for Charleroi’s holiday kickoff celebration Miracle on Main Street. Hundreds of people visited the Nativity and other activities in town associated with Small Business Saturday that attracted to the town’s retailers.”
Brooke Deason of Greater Connellsville Chamber of Commerce noted, “Recently, I was asked to compile a list of our local churches for the Cobblestone Hotel. Tourists were in town and were looking for a church to attend for Sunday service. This is one way our local churches are vital to our town – not only for our local residents but for many tourists that travel through and stay in our community. “
Deason also mentioned the recent renovations at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Connellsville.
“I am not sure on actual numbers but I do know numerous churches in Connellsville have been involved in renovations in the last few years and many use local contractors to complete the renovations, stimulating our local economy,” Deason said, adding, “Our church tours have long been a part of It’s a Connellsville Christmas and many of local churches are members of the chamber.”
Muriel Nuttall, of Fayette Chamber of Commerce, shared some thoughts: “Even though not always visible, the economic impact of our church community and, more broadly, the faith-based community is great.”
She noted, “In 2016 the Brookings institute completed a study called, ‘The Halo Effect and the Economic Value of Faith-Based Organizations,’ which proved a tangible connection between the faith-based culture and activity in an area to the economic well being of the community. They found the impact great as sacred places draw people together and bring in visitors for events and education. Those people generate income in our area as most attendees as well as the churches themselves support local business, such as food, supplies, lodging. As our churches – particularly the larger, more active congregations – bring in activities and events, they draw people and those people spend money.”
Nuttall continued, “Additionally though, sacred places are vital to the community because they tend to support and even sometimes incubate non-profit organizations or service groups. Several of our churches in the county act as distribution points for the Fayette County Food Bank, we have churches involved with Produce for the People, and more.
“Connected to this concept is the realization that along with the building and support of our non- profit community, churches also help to build social capital. Churches are places that tend to be trusted by parents and families and can be a perfect setting for programs and events that bring communities together for social action and education and to find ways to solve problems – hunger, poverty, drug abuse, wellness – in an area,” Nutall continued.
“Finally, our churches and faith- based organizations both large and small provide employment for our residents with an average of one to five full- and part0time employees as well as countless hours of volunteer support,” noted Nuttall. “All in all, our churches have a great impact of the well being and growth of our community. In Fayette County, religious belief is strong, which is evident in the work that they do to support the residents of the county.”
Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Ted Flowers at 724-425-7231 or by email at tflowers@heraldstandard.com. Discount cards are available at the Herald-Standard, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, and at the Greene County Messenger, 82 W. High St., Waynesburg.